Principal Road Engineer

Overview

Senior Engineer, Roads in Exeter, leads highway consultancy delivery across the project lifecycle. You work closely with clients and multi-disciplinary teams to drive design, feasibility, planning, and construction outcomes. You’ll be client-facing, coordinating resources, and mentoring others to deliver robust highway solutions. This role fits a global, innovative firm focused on positive community impacts and inclusive collaboration.

Pay / Benefits

• work-life balance
• hybrid working two days a week
• flexible working arrangements
• health & wellbeing programmes ( Thrive, Virtual GP)
• gymflex scheme (up to 40% off gym memberships)
• enhanced inclusion and belonging initiatives

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day technical delivery of highway consultancy services across all project stages
• Manage projects ensuring multi-disciplinary inputs align with scope, budget, and schedule
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and proactively manage expectations
• Act as project technical lead and reviewer for design outputs
• Support and develop team members to maximise contributions
• Prepare fee proposals and manage project budgets
• Deliver/discuss design drawings, standard details, specifications, and bill of quantities; assist tender package preparation
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and Environmental legislation and internal QA processes
• Coordinate team resources and assign roles to optimize project delivery
• Comply with Designers’ Duties under CDM regulations and manage changes to scope, time, cost, and quality

Key requirements

• Knowledge and experience of highway design/drainage across project life cycle
• Experience leading multiple design disciplines (road, public transport, active travel, development)
• Experience with contract documents or administration/site supervision using Public Works Contracts
• Proficiency in design software: Autodesk Civils 3D, Bentley OpenRoads Designer, InfoDrainage and/or PDS
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
• Chartered Civil Engineer or Incorporated Engineer with relevant post-qualification experience
• Understanding of design codes (Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, Manual for Streets, TSRGD, local guidance) and ability to prepare drawings for contract documentation and approvals
• Experience with CDM Designers Duties and change management

• communication
• stakeholder_management
• interpersonal_skills
• Autodesk Civils 3D
• Bentley OpenRoads Designer
• InfoDrainage

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